Emily Kao

Ms. Emily Kao

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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RJRebecca Jung
Rebecca Jung
EKEmily Kao
Emily Kao
VGVictor Guaiquil
Victor Guaiquil
ADAli Djalilian
Ali Djalilian
MRMark Rosenblatt
Mark Rosenblatt
Dry eye disease (DED) is an ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, epithelial damage, and neurosensory abnormalities. Due to its multifactorial etiology and pathophysiology, conventional therapies that focus on lubrication and immunosuppression often fall short in addressing the neuropathic component of ocular pain experienced by a growing subset of patients. Recent developments in sensory neuroscience have highlighted the pivotal role of ion channels in mediating ocular surface homeostasis, pain signaling, and inflammation. This review examines the role of the following major ion channel families in the pathophysiology of DED and neuropathic ocular pain: transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels, and purinergic P2X receptors. The review details their anatomical distribution, molecular function, and responses to environmental stimuli such as heat, cold, osmolarity, and injury. Current treatments, such as artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, and systemic neuromodulators, are also reviewed in relation to their effects on ion channel modulation. Additionally, emerging therapies that directly target sensory transduction pathways are introduced. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of ion channel modulation in personalizing treatment for patients with ocular surface pain, particularly those with neuropathic features unresponsive to standard care.

24 April 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EKEmily Kao
Emily Kao
SGSanjay Ganesh
Sanjay Ganesh
WCWilliam F. Chadwick
William F. Chadwick
RAReem Alahmadi
Reem Alahmadi
Xincheng YaoXincheng Yao
Xincheng Yao
MHMichael Heiferman
Michael Heiferman
Background/Objectives: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor among adults and has a high risk of metastasis. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been developed to support the management of UM across different clinical tasks. The definition of ground truth, the reference standard that models use in training and development, greatly influences the performance and clinical relevance of the models. Currently, there is limited consensus regarding which ground truth methods are most appropriate for each clinical application. This review aims to evaluate the advantages and limitations of available ground truth options in UM and proposes task-specific recommendations based on clinical utility, feasibility, and cost. Methods: A narrative review of the existing literature was conducted to identify and evaluate commonly used ground truth methods for UM AI applications based on factors such as time, cost, invasiveness, and required level of expertise. Results: Each ground truth method offers distinct benefits and drawbacks in relation to biological precision, invasiveness, availability, cost, and turnaround time. No single ground truth is universally optimal across all applications. Instead, the ideal choice depends on the intended clinical task, and practical alternatives exist to mitigate the constraints that result from limited time and institutional resources. Conclusions: The selection of ground truth for AI models in UM should be chosen based on the specific clinical task to balance predictive relevance with feasibility of implementation. The adoption of task-specific ground truth standards may improve the development of clinically meaningful AI tools and facilitate their integration into real-world practice.

17 November 2025 in Journal of Eye Movement Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PGPuranjay Gupta
Puranjay Gupta
EKEmily Kao
Emily Kao
NSNeil Sheth
Neil Sheth
RAReem Alahmadi
Reem Alahmadi
MHMichael Heiferman
Michael Heiferman
Purpose: An observational study to investigate differences in gaze behaviors across varying expertise levels using a 3D heads-up display (HUD) integrated with eye-tracking was conducted. Methods: 25 ophthalmologists (PGY2–4, fellows, attendings; number(n) = 5/group) performed cataract surgery on a SimulEYE model using NGENUITY HUD. Results: Surgical proficiency increased with experience, with attendings achieving the highest scores (54.4 ± 0.89). Compared with attendings, PGY2s had longer fixation durations (p = 0.042), longer saccades (p < 0.0001), and fewer fixations on the HUD (p < 0.0001). Capsulorhexis diameter relative to capsule size increased with expertise, with fellows and attendings achieving significantly larger diameters than PGY2s (p < 0.0001). Experts maintained smaller tear angles, initiated tears closer to the main wound, and produced more circular morphologies. They rapidly alternated gaze between instruments and surrounding tissue, whereas novices (PGY2–4) fixated primarily on the instrument tip. Conclusions: Experts employ a feed-forward visual sampling strategy, allowing perception of instruments and surrounding tissue, minimizing inadvertent damage. Furthermore, attending surgeons maintain smaller tear angles and initiate tears proximally to forceps insertion, which may contribute to more controlled tears. Future integration of eye-tracking technology into surgical training could enhance visual-motor strategies in novices.